Beethoven, L. van: Piano Trios Nos. 2 and 7, "Archduke"

Into the Wonder features the world premiere recordings of two works by Canadian Jordan Pal, one of the most promising composers of his generation, performed by the Gryphon Trio and the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Arthur Post. Strongly inspired by nature's beauty and the mysteries of the universe, Jordan Pal offers two fascinating pieces, imbued with a vivifying lyricism and great finesse. Described as "One of Canada's most interesting young composers" (Ludwig-Van Toronto), "the country's current it-boy composer" (Musical Toronto), and "one to watch" (LaPresse), Pal (b. Toronto, Canada) is a leading voice of his generation in the Canadian concert music scene. An award winning composer, he has had the privilege of being commissioned and performed by many of Canada's finest orchestras and ensembles, including the Gryphon Trio, St. Lawrence String Quartet, Montreal Symphony Orchestra, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, National Arts Centre Orchestra, and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

About the Gryphon Trio, the Los Angeles Times wrote "This is a piano trio that plays with strength and unanimity... big, bold, almost orchestral performances." Winner of two Juno prizes, the trio now presents it's excellent new album, Immortal and Beloved. Two of the three works heard on this recording - the "Archduke" Trio, Op. 97 (1811) and An die ferne Geliebte ("To the distant beloved"), Op. 98 (1816) - are composed by Beethoven. The third work, Letters to the Immortal Beloved (2012) by Canadian composer James K. Wright, is inspired by three passionate love letters written by Beethoven during the summer of 1812. With the participation of the reputed baritone singer David John Pike, this is a fascinating release.

The "heavenly length" that Schumann ascribed to Schubert's Great C major Symphony could be applied to numerous other works in the latter's canon, both in temporal and qualitative terms. Schubert's sublime Octet runs more than an hour with all the repeats observed. His piano trios, Opp 99 and 100, aren't quite as expansive, yet they pack enough significant material into their respective four movements to make many symphonies of the period (and beyond) seem ill-nourished.

The Gryphon Trio's new recording of these repertoire staples confirms that Schubert had no reason to second-guess himself when it came to proportion. Both the effusively expressive B flat Trio, D898, Op 99, and hearty E flat Trio, D929,0p 100, unfold with all the inevitability the composer likely hoped to achieve. They contain some of Schubert's most stirring writing, their songful gestures rubbing shoulders with ideas of vigorous inspiration.

The key to success in the trios is lyricism, which the Gryphon musicians acknowledge to flowingly poetic effect. Even when Schubert is at his most playful, these artists maintain a sure sense of singing line, as well as interplay that is as natural as spontaneous conversation.

As played by violinist Annalee Patipatanakoon, cellist Roman Borys and pianist Jamie Parker, the radiance, serenity and vitality in these works come across with a keen blend of sweep and nuance. Balances, so difficult to accomplish in this instrumentation, are carefully set, and each player evidently knows his or her primary or secondary place in the evolving narratives.

Schubert lovers who are taken with his monumental piano trios will relish the single movements he composed early and late in his career for the same complement. The Gryphon players invest the invigorating movement in B flat, D28, and tranquil E flat trio movement entitled Notturno, D897, Op posth 148, with the same zest and affection they bring to the well known works.

-- Donald Rosenberg, Gramophone [2/2008]

Classical Music

Classical Music